men's vest lightweight

For winter workwear, it doesnt get much more classic than the Carhartt Duck Vest. What we like: Supreme comfort and breathability.What we dont: Pricey and not very warm. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Of all of the synthetic vests weve tested, Patagonias Nano-Air vest (packed with FullRange insulation) is the most impressive at breathing and keeping you cool on the go, which makes it an exceptional midlayer for high-output activities like backcountry skiing or as an outer layer for cool-weather hiking, biking, or climbing. Merino wool is the least durable vest type of the bunch, as it doesnt have a shell protecting the material and is typically rather thin. Down soaks up moisture and loses the ability to insulate, whereas synthetics are much better in this regard. Johnston & Murphy - XC4 Performance Vest. The first is cost$250 is a lot to spend on a layering piece. In the end, we think the Coldfront is the more well-rounded cold-weather pick, but the Nuptse is a viable and more everyday-friendly alternative for those who dont mind the weight and cost penalties. Android, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Get 15% off when you sign up for our emails, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act. To reap the full benefits, we recommend pairing the vest with a merino baselayer (like Smartwools own Merino 150 Crew). The outdoor apparel market has seen a sizable push in sustainability practices of late, and vests are no exception. Down is known for its superior loft and warmth-to-weight ratio, while synthetic insulation is the best choice for breathability and weather resistance. Most people dont need the finest down in their vest or this much of it, and the relatively thin 20-denier Pertex shell cuts weight but is more fragile than alternatives like The North Faces Nuptse (40D) or ORs Coldfront (30D) above. But there are limitations: Vests dont offer full coverage and leave your arms exposed, meaning you also have to think about whats going to be worn underneath. True to form, the Falketind Down750 is a decidedly premium piece that works well for everything from cold-weather hiking to bundling up around town. For a more buttoned-down look with a little less warmth, try the Patagonia Better Sweater Vest above.See the Men's Patagonia Classic Retro-XSee the Women's Patagonia Classic Retro-X. ), which is the measure of the quality of the down. For daily outings, cold-weather hiking, or use as a midlayer on frigid days, the Nuptse is a nice option. The thickness of a down or synthetic vests shell fabric is measured in denier (D), and the higher the number the thicker the shell. Category:Performance/casualInsulation type: Down (850-fill)Weight: 6.5 oz.What we like: Premium build quality and design.What we dont: Pricey and built with active use in mind. For a step up in performance, Arcteryxs Covert Vest is a little lighter at 12.3 ounces and has a slightly softer feel and better wind-blocking ability with an additional liner at the front but costs $40 more.See the Men's Better Sweater Vest See the Women's Better Sweater Vest. As such, it is the one article of clothing youre most likely to swap out depending on weather conditions. Arc'teryx - Atom SL Vest. Next up is the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 at 5.6 ounces, with the bulk of the vest pack sitting in the 6-to-11-ounce range. Color Carhartt Brown. We really appreciate vests. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of coupon codes. 1.9 oz.What we like: Stylish, windproof, and warm.What we dont: Really pricey for a fleece. Color Carhartt Brown. For those on a tight budget, the Steens Mountain from Columbia is just about the cheapest vest youll find. Second, Arcteryxs athletic fit isnt for everyone, not to mention a vest often is layered over a shirt or light jacket and therefore is best with a slightly looser cut. In terms of the ultralight competition, the Arcteryx Cerium LT above is the better option when precip is in the forecast thanks to the addition of synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas, although its heavier by around an ounce and costs around $25 more. Like Outdoor Researchs Coldfront above, The North Faces Nuptse Vest is a substantially built design with a cold-weather pedigree to back it up. Click For Details. Exclusions and minimum order values may apply. Fleece is pretty much synonymous with coziness and has been for years. The namesake synthetic fill was designed with insulation expert PrimaLoft to mimic the fluffiness and warmth-to-weight ratio of down. Category:PerformanceInsulation type: Synthetic (Coreloft)Weight:8.5oz.What we like: Wind-resistant, durable, and highly mobile.What we dont: Not a ton of insulation and doesnt breathe as well as the Nano-Air. This leads up to our next point: The 60-gram FullRange insulation does a decent job if youre moving but wont keep you cozy when standing still or in cold weather. One of our favorite synthetic-insulated vests on the market is the Nano Puff from Patagonia, which also comes in a very popular full jacket version (as do most other vests on this list). Straight Down - Ridge Vest. In addition to casual use, some people wear vests for aerobic activities like hiking, biking, and climbing, or as a midlayer for skiing (both resort and backcountry). Breathability can vary significantly from vest to vest, and synthetic insulation is superior to down in this regard. But if you run cold, live somewhere frigid, or spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter, the Helios is an expertly built and high-performance option from a well-loved down specialist.See the Feathered Friends Helios Vest. These downsides are all a result of the technologies that have gone into making it a high-performance piece, but they hurt the Nano-Airs appeal for casual use. The North Face - Thermoball Eco Vest. The Coreloft synthetic insulation and stretchy side fleece panels are warm yet breathable, the DWR finish sheds a light rain or snow, and the vests athletic cut means it will stay close to your body whether youre hiking, climbing, skiing, or snowshoeing. Merino wool also is a good breather for aerobic activities like running and cross-country skiing, although its utility is somewhat limited as these vests tend to be thinner and less warm than synthetics. Color Charcoal. The vests on this list peak at a whopping 900-fill power for the Feathered Friends Helios Down, while most high-end down layering pieces use 850- or 800-fill down. Fleece is most commonly found on casual pieces like the ubiquitous Patagonia Better SweaterandClassic Retro-X Vest. Category: PerformanceInsulation type: Merino woolWeight: 4 oz.What we like: A high-performance wool option in a feathery 4-ounce package.What we dont: Merino is most effective when worn next-to-skin. Our top pick, the Patagonia Down Sweater, is 20x30-denier, and the Arcteryx Atom LT is 20-denier. Vests dont have a ton of variation in terms of pockets, but most designs boast at least two handwarmer pockets (even the basic fleece Columbia Steens Mountain has two hand pockets). Category:CasualInsulation type: Down (700-fill)Weight: 1 lb. Big & Tall Lands' End 600 Down Puffer Vest, Big & Tall Lands' End Colorblock Grid Fleece Vest, Men's Franchise Club Alabama Crimson Tide 17-Time National Champions Softshell Vest. Its also cheaper yet still does a pretty good job of keeping you cozy. Below our staff at Switchback Travel breaks down the best camping gear Ultralight without feeling ultra-compromised, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is one of the lightest fully featured down jackets on the market. Enter the Helios from down specialist Feathered Friends, which is extremely warm with 4.8 ounces of premium 900-fill down (and a total weight of only 10 ounces). Color Meld Grey. Its not an active piece like the Arcteryx Atom LT above, but breathability is surprisingly good for lower-output uses like hiking and downhill skiing. As a result of the added features, the Falketind isnt particularly light for a down vest, clocking in more than 3 ounces heavier than the Cerium LT. Further, while 750-fill down is fairly high-quality, you can get more premium varieties that are warmer for the weight (and therefore less bulky) within Arcteryx or Patagonias lineups. If youve worn Arcteryx products before, you know what the Cerium LT is all about. Color Black. When it comes to vest insulation, you have two main choices: down or synthetic. Theyre great for layering over a flannel or light jacket to add warmth during the fall and spring, and a vest can make you much more comfortable without the need for a full-on jacket. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call, Nike Men's Therma FIT Victory 1/2 Zip Golf Vest, Walter Hagen Mens' Perfect 11 Knit Full Zip Vest, Alpine Design Men's Sequoia Ridge Down Vest, TravisMathew Men's Interlude Puffer Golf Vest, Drake Waterfowl Men's Heather Windproof Layering Vest, Under Armour Men's Storm Daytona Golf Vest. Exclusions Apply. Synthetic insulation comes in second, with merino wool and fleece tending to be the least warm of the bunch. This can make a vest a cinch to carry and it ends up taking very little space. Ariat - Color-Block Crius Insulated Vest. All have their upsides, but at the end of the day none are quite as warm and packable as premium down (Patagonias PlumaFill is the closest weve tested). In the end, how a vest is made may not be the deciding factor for some consumers, but we certainly appreciate when brands are transparent about their practices and go the extra mile in creating more sustainably built products. Fjllrven - Greenland Down Liner Vest. Color Charcoal. Earn One Point for Every $1 and get a $10 Reward for Every 300 Points. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetics for easy storage. Its worth noting that Cotopaxi is one of just a few outdoor brands (including Stio, REI, and Ibex) that is climate neutral-certified, meaning that they continuously measure their footprint and work to offset (and then reduce) those emissions. However, down is less breathable than synthetic insulation and retains more moisture when wet, which can cause problems in rainy or snowy weather. For added weather protection, OR also included a highly water-resistant Pertex Quantum shell and synthetic VerticalX ECO insulation at the shoulders for extra assurance in light rain or snow. Carhartt - Gilliam Vest. But its hard to beat the build quality and versatility, which is why we have it at the top of our list. Category: Casual/performanceInsulation type: Synthetic (PrimaLoft ThermoBall)Weight: 13.3 oz.What we like: Comfortable, lightweight, and easily compressible.What we dont: Heavier but not warmer than the Nano Puff above. We do have a few issues with the Nano-Air Vest. One thing we like in particular is the fit compared to other casual Patagonia productsthe Down Sweater Jacket is boxy in the arms, but the vest doesnt have that excess bulk and should work for a wide variety of people and uses. Youll see this vest (and the full fleece jacket version) everywhere from your local trailhead to the watering hole later that evening, and nobody seems to be complaining. Color Black. Category: Casual/performanceInsulation type: Down (800-fill)Weight: 8 oz.What we like: Premium materials and a little cheaper than the Down Sweater above.What we dont: Not everyone will love the colorful striped design. The Greenland Down Liner Vest screams quality, pairing well-selected colorways with classic horizontal baffles and a stylish chest pocket with flap and button closure. This fleece vest will add only a fraction of the warmth compared to a down or even a synthetic model. Color Storm Blue/Monterey Blue. Taking the synthetic insulation into account, it isnt nearly as warm as a down vest like the Down Sweater above. Color Black. Synthetic Insulation). Its important to note that no insulation type is totally eco-friendly, and both down and synthetics have their drawbacks, but the increase in RDS-certified down and recycled synthetic fill certainly are appealing from an environmental standpoint (for more on this topic, see our article on Down vs. What do you compromise by going with the REI Co-op 650 2.0 Down Vest? Below we break down the best vests of the 2022 season, with our favorite down, synthetic, merino wool, and fleece models. For the latest in luxury brands & exclusive collabs. For this reason, we generally favor down vests like thePatagonia Down Sweater over synthetics (more on why down is the warmest option below). Merino wool gear is known for its next-to-skin comfort, warmth, temperature regulation, and ability to wick moisture and stay dry. For ultralighters, down is the clear favoriteit provides the most warmth for the weight and packs down the smallest. 20092022 - Zappos.com LLC or its affiliates, Be the first to shop the newest home stylesnow on Zappos!, Say Goodbye to Stress with Our Back-to-School Guide!. Along with down, merino wool is one of the premier natural forms of insulation. Fill weight (the amount of down) isnt listed as frequently for vests as it is for full down jackets, but weve mentioned it as often as possible in the product write-ups above. Color Navy. Low Stock. For cold-but-not-frigid shoulder-season weather, the Fjallraven Greenland is a classy, versatile layer that provides solid core warmth for around-town use and light adventuring. Finally, the jacket doesnt block the wind like the Atom LT or Nano Puff above. Category:Casual/performanceInsulation type: Down (800-fill)Weight: 9.8 oz.What we like: Warm, well-built, and looks great.What we dont: Pricey. Arcteryx does a nice job balancing weight, warmth, breathability, and packed size with their in-house Coreloft insulation, Patagonias Nano-Air vest uses an impressively breathable FullRange synthetic, and The North Face has spent a lot of energy on its proprietary ThermoBall (made in conjunction with PrimaLoft). Perry Ellis - Mens Slim Fit Stretch Sharkskin Suit Vest. For a very reasonable $99, the Better Sweater combines plush, moisture-wicking fleece insulation that provides solid warmth for most mild and spring days with a classy, knitted exterior that wears incredibly well around town. Accelerate your Rewards and earn 2 points for every $1 on qualified purchases with a ScoreRewards credit card. Johnston & Murphy - XC4 Performance Vest. Patagonia also makes their All Seasons Hemp Canvas Vest, which splits the difference at $129. You are getting nice extras like a windproof membrane sandwiched in between the sherpa fleece exterior and mesh lining, but the price puts it up against cozier and warmer down alternatives. But for outdoor work and everyday use, the Carhartt Duck Vest is a capable layer at a price thats hard to beat. Playing off these strengths, Smartwools Merino Sport Ultra Light Vest pairs a water-resistant nylon shell with panels of thin merino mesh (blended with polyester for added durability), resulting in a trim-fitting design that offers a small dose of protection and just enough warmth for high-output activities like running and cross-country skiing. For example, The North Face updated their ThermoBall collection recently to include 100-percent-recycled materials and a PFC-free DWR finish (the same goes for their Nuptse Vest). The Nuptse is bulky for a vest, although its quality down compresses pretty well. Color Dark Blue. This simple layering piece adds warmth to your core and is cozy, packable, less bulky, and cheaper than a full jacket. Low Stock. 14 oz.What we like: Premium everything. And although our Columbia products have lasted longer than anticipated, its good to have reasonable expectations with gear available at this price point. This vest isnt teched-out and doesnt have the high-end look and feel of the premium alternatives on this list, but its a fantastic value overall. From wearing around the city to hiking and use as a midlayer for skiing, this vest pretty much does it all. 750-fill power and below falls more into the mid-range category, but even premium brands like Filson use 650-fill down in their vests (it doesnt matter as much for casual use). But different vests and brands do fit differently in the torso, and this is worth taking into account. 3.2 oz.What we like: One of the warmest vests on this list.What we dont: On the heavy side and rather puffy. Lightweight fleeces also can be decent ventilators, but most fleece vests are casual in nature and do not excel at regulating temperature. First is value: For $165 ($14 less than our top-ranked Down Sweater Vest), you get a really nice piece with premium 800-fill down and a water-resistant 20-denier shell. Weight matters most to those who are heading out into the backcountry and carrying their belongings in a pack (backpacking and backcountry skiing are two prime examples). But dont knock Filson until you try it: This Seattle-based outdoor brand makes ultra-premium products that are extremely well-built, functional, and look the part. As with most Patagonia products, you will pay a premium for the Down Sweater Vest. For these types of uses, youll often see synthetic vests from performance brands like Patagonia and Arcteryx, many of which breathe well, resist moisture, and continue insulating when wet. From our experience, weve noticed that most jackets and vests are rather impressive at resisting moisture, and we tend not to fret too much unless we are out in the rain for extended periods or it really starts to pour. This means that the overall weight of the vest is surprisingly low, but its also quite easy to rip while brushing up against a branch or rock. Get instructions now. In general, a vest should help keep you decently warm as a layering piece in most fall and spring conditions. Category: Performance/casualInsulation type: Down (700-fill)Weight: 13.2 oz.What we like: Excellent warmth for the price.What we dont: Overkill for mild conditions. And we appreciate that TNF also uses 100-percent-recycled materials, from the shell fabric down to the insulation. Added up, its a highly versatile and affordable design that looks great around town but can easily pull double duty for light outdoor pursuits. Color Red Rouge. In short, the Coldfront is one of the warmest and most substantial vests on the list and built to withstand cold temperatures, but its overkill for mild conditions and not as around-town friendly as picks like Patagonias Down Sweater or Better Sweater above. The sleeveless design of vests means weather resistance isnt a top consideration, but there are notable differences between models. Carhartt - Gilliam Vest. Washington Insulated Vest Modern Fit. Second, it toes the line between our casual and performance categories better than most, balancing Cotopaxis trademark retro styling with a functional feature set that includes great storage (two handwarmer pockets and two interior pockets) and a drawcord at the hem. If youre looking for concrete numbers to evaluate the warmth of a particular vest, there are a few helpful clues. For these reasons, its very popular in performance layering, and particularly for baselayers. But for casual use around town, Fjallraven consistently catches our eye with outerwear that merges performance and fashion. Color Brite Lime. At the ultralight end of the spectrum, a vest like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 (10x10D) is built for true ounce counters. Most casual or all-around synthetic and down vests on this list are 20-denier and up, which allows you to think about your vest a lot less than with an ultralight piece. Nothing is quite like premium duck or goose plumage, including ThermoBall, but it sure does a nice job of keeping you cozy while feeling light and packing down small (a 2021 update made the ThermoBall Eco Vest even more durable and compressible). However, there are notable differences in weight between our picks above, starting with the Smartwool Merino Sport Ultra Light at an incredible 4 ounces total. This simple polyester fabric is soft, decently warm depending on the thickness, and offers great next-to-skin comfort. The fleece eventually will show wear, especially after a number of washings.See the Men's Columbia Steens Mountain See the Women's Columbia Benton Springs. If youre looking to shave ounces from your kit, Mountain Hardwears Ghost Whisperer collection is a great place to start. Back to Our Top Vest PicksBack to Our Vest Comparison Table. See the Men's Fjallraven Greenland Down See the Women's Fjallraven Greenland Down. Nautica - Boys' Full-Zip Fleece Vest. But for serious warmth at a reasonable price and weight, the Coldfront is an undeniably well-built and capable piece. However, the Outdoor Research Coldfront falls short in one key area: versatility. If you plan on bringing more than that along, youll want to consider using a daypack or other carrying device. For getting outdoors on cool fall and spring days, its hard to beat a vest. Category: CasualInsulation type: Down (650-fill)Weight: 7.7 oz.What we like: A great value for a warm and good-looking vest.What we dont: Not as warm or lightweight as the Down Sweater above. COLMAR - Lightweight Down Vest Jacket. In the typical three-layer ski clothing system, the midlayer is given the all-important insulating duties. But the vest market is varied, ranging from casual to performance and including a number of possible insulation types. Fleece is fairly tough but is prone to pilling after multiple washings or extended use. For a complete breakdown of the topic, see our article on down vs. synthetic insulation. Color TNF Black. The higher the fill number, the warmer and fluffier the down will be at a given weight. Keep in mind that these vests are designed for work and casual environments and dont offer the low weight or weather protection that youll want for outdoor activities like hiking or skiing. Helly Hansen - Daybreaker Fleece Vest. to measure warmth, and merino and fleece use grams or other designations like heavyweight, midweight, and lightweight. First, the Nano-Air has a super-soft lining and shell that are literally pillowy in nature. Norrna also added a hoodnot common among vest designs which adds a good dose of warmth and a nice, cozy look. Fleece doesnt block wind very well in most cases, weighs quite a bit for the warmth it provides, doesnt compress very small, and tends to pill up over time. Merino Wool Keep in mind that most merino vests and products in general consist of simply the fabric itself instead of clusters of down or synthetic insulation, and therefore are less substantial and warm. Fill weight, which is the actual amount of down inside the jacket and very helpful in determining warmth, unfortunately isnt provided for most vests.Synthetic Color Autumn Leaf. Combine that with the right amount of warmth and good looks and you have yourself a winner.See the Men's Patagonia Down Sweater See the Women's Patagonia Down Sweater. When warmth-to-weight ratios matter, well stick to names like Arcteryx, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research. Below we break down the best rain Patagonias Nano-Air took the active insulation market by storm, designed to be a synthetic jacket that truly can be worn all day through a variety of conditions and activities. Category: CasualInsulation type: FleeceWeight: 1 lb. This vest is nearly synonymous with the term puffy with thick, oversized baffles and heaps of lofty, 700-fill goose down (The North Face doesnt provide a fill weight, but it feels like a lot). And many love the retro-inspired design, which looks the part in the city or on the trail. Synthetic pieces often use grams (80g, 60g, etc.) In addition, you can get more warmth for less weight with options like Patagonias own Down Sweater or the Atom LT above. True to its intentions, the vest gets high marks for durability and is fairly streamlined compared to down, making the ThermoBall a nice layering option under a rain jacket or ski shell. In terms of downsides, the Atom LT is relatively thin and light on insulation at only 8.5ounces total. In general, we've found the ThermoBall line to be best suited for casual uses such as day hiking, resort skiing, and running errands around town. Theyre super cozy, terrific for casual use, and less bulky and expensive than a full jacket. Remember that its best to leave your vest unpacked while at home, which helps preserve the down or synthetic insulation. Patagonias Down Sweater above is a great option for shoulder-season use, but those headed out in true winter temperatures will likely want a bump in warmth. Low Stock. The North Face tends to run large and boxy as it too is worn frequently for casual use. Key measures include the use of recycled fabrics, down insulation thats traceable and certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), and materials that are bluesign-approved (safe for the environment, workers, and consumers) and Fair Trade Certified (produced in a factory where workers conditions and compensation are priorities). If your ski gear is even a few years old, theres new technology out there that will help make good days on the snow even better. Its hard to argue with the formula: The Retro-X is cozy, stylish, and adds a noticeable boost in warmth on those chilly fall and spring days. Note: The Coldfront does run on the bigger side to allow room for layering underneath, so be sure to take that into account when deciding on size.See the Men's OR Coldfront Down Vest See the Women's Coldfront Hooded Down Vest. All in all, a vest will add notable warmth but shouldnt be thought of as a standalone piece for the cold. For the price, youd be hard pressed to find a better vest.See the Men's REI 650 Down Vest 2.0See the Women's REI 650 Down Vest 2.0. Its a go-to piece that has defined a jacket category, as any new down sweater is compared to this legendary From car camping with your family to base camping at the foot of your next serious adventure, youll want to have the right gear for the occasion. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? The good news is that the REI holds its own in terms of sustainability, with RDS-certified down (for humane treatment of birds) and recycled, bluesign (read: ethically sourced) materials. We rank the Down Sweater higher for its more subdued and streamlined stylingthe Cotopaxis vibrant stripes can be a bit polarizingbut this is largely a matter of personal preference. Of all the factors we consider in ranking vests, the Patagonia Nano-Air wins outright in two of them: comfort and breathability. The 10-denier shell fabric will require much more babying than a vest like the Down Sweater above (20x30D), and with such a streamlined focus you also get a bit less warmth.

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